Nozzle Timing Adjustment via Patch Image Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the timing of liquid discharge, leading to image quality deterioration due to nozzle misalignment, which requires high-resolution measuring devices and is costly.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with multiple rows of nozzles that discharge liquid based on the density of patch images formed on the recording medium, using reference and adjustment dots to adjust the discharge timing, allowing for precise alignment without the need for high-resolution sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution measuring devices are used to determine discharge timing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the discharge timing determination process by using patch images with reference dots and adjustment dots. Instead of directly measuring with high-resolution devices, the system forms simplified visual representations (patch images) that capture the essential timing information, allowing standard sensors to read these copies effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the discharge timing determination into discrete, measurable components by creating separate reference dots and adjustment dots at specific positions. This segmentation allows the timing information to be extracted independently through density measurement of individual patch images, avoiding the need for complex unified measurement systems
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution measuring devices are used to determine discharge timing, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the discharge timing determination process by using patch images with reference dots and adjustment dots. Instead of directly measuring with high-resolution devices, the system forms simplified visual representations (patch images) that capture the essential timing information, allowing standard sensors to read these copies effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, disposable patch images as intermediaries to convey timing information. These patch images can be formed at low cost and discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, high-resolution measuring devices while maintaining adequate measurement precision for discharge timing determination
3Device complexity
If nozzle alignment is not adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where patch images are formed with reference dots and adjustment dots, then read by a sensor to determine discharge timing. This feedback information is used to adjust the timing of liquid discharge from nozzles, ensuring proper alignment and image quality without requiring complex mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary formation of patch images with reference dots and adjustment dots before actual image printing. This preliminary action allows timing determination and nozzle alignment adjustment to be made in advance, ensuring that when actual printing occurs, the nozzles are already properly aligned, thereby maintaining image quality without complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge device and circuitry. The liquid discharge device includes a plurality of rows of nozzles. The circuitry determines a timing at which the plurality of nozzles discharge the liquid based on a density of a plurality of patch images. Each of the plurality of patch images includes a reference dot and an adjustment dot. The reference dot and the adjustment dot are formed by the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzles in a first row and in a second row, respectively, of the plurality of rows of nozzles. The reference dot corresponds to a prescribed base pixel. The adjustment dot corresponds to an adjustment pixel adjacent to the base pixel in the width direction. The adjustment pixel is shifted from the base pixel in the conveyance direction by a number of pixels that differs for each of the plurality of patch images.